In February 2025, important changes to fire safety rules in New South Wales will come into effect. These reforms aim to make buildings safer and reduce the risk of fires, with specific requirements for maintaining kitchen exhaust systems in commercial kitchens.
If you own or manage a business with a commercial kitchen, these changes could impact you. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Kitchen exhaust systems, like the ones in commercial kitchens, can quickly become a fire hazard if they’re not properly cleaned and maintained. The new rules focus on making sure kitchen exhausts are regularly cleaned and inspected to keep them safe and reduce fire risks.
The NSW government is putting a stronger emphasis on following the Australian Standard AS 1851-2012, which is a guide for how often and how thoroughly fire safety systems, like kitchen exhausts, need to be maintained.
What Does This Mean for You?
From February 2025, businesses will need to make sure:
- Kitchen Exhausts Are Properly Cleaned: Keeping your kitchen exhaust system clean isn’t just about hygiene – it’s also about safety. Regular cleaning can prevent grease build-up, which is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. SAIS Hygiene offers professional cleaning services that help keep your system in top condition and ensure compliance with these new rules.
- Only Accredited Professionals Are Used for Fire Safety Certification: If you’re setting up a new commercial kitchen, it will need to be inspected and certified by an accredited fire professional before opening. This ensures the system is safe and meets fire safety requirements. Note: There has been some confusion regarding what tasks require fire safety accreditation. While your kitchen exhaust cleaner must meet the ‘competent’ person test to complete ongoing maintenance, they do not need to be fire safety accredited to complete this task.
How to Prepare for the New Rules
To get ready for these changes, here’s what you should do:
- Get Your Kitchen Exhaust System Checked: Schedule regular cleanings and maintenance with a trusted provider like SAIS Hygiene. We specialise in keeping commercial kitchen exhausts clean, compliant to correct standards and fire-safe.
- Keep Records of Maintenance: Make sure you have proof that your kitchen exhaust system is regularly cleaned and inspected. This could be important if you’re ever asked to show compliance with the new rules.
- Work With Accredited Professionals: If you’re planning a new kitchen installation or upgrade, choose professionals who are qualified to certify fire safety systems.
Why Choose SAIS Hygiene?
At SAIS Hygiene, we understand how important it is to keep your kitchen safe and running smoothly. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of cleaning kitchen exhaust systems, helping you meet safety standards and avoid any risks.
Let us help you stay ahead of the new regulations. Learn more about our services here.
By staying on top of these changes, you can protect your business, your staff, and your customers while complying with the new fire safety rules.